Beijing

Day 25 Another 40 degree day but so many wonderful sights to visit. First Jingshan Park overlooking the Forbidden City. There are three pavilions ranging from small to large as you walk up the hill. The view over the city is wonderful. In transit, managed to take a shot of the famous CCTV Building which has featured in my architecture project at school. Then on to the Olympic Village to see the awe inspiring Bird’s Nest and The Cube swimming complex. Such a contrast from the serenity of the Park.

Next came the Summer Palace and the Imperial Gardens built by the last Ming Emperor for his Mother, so many beautiful buildings, a vast lake with lotus in bloom, huge marble steamboat and a ride in a dragon boat. We finished the day at The Temple of Heaven, also built by the last Ming Emperor. A stunning round temple where only god resides and the emperor visited twice a year to offer prayers for prosperity and a good harvest. The Blue glazed roof symbolises Heaven and is only reached by many steps. A good place to end.